TKA hires established Strategic Development, Marketing and Philanthropy Leader, Mrs. Rebecca Harsila
Dallas, Texas (July 16, 2020) The King’s Academy (TKA) is pleased to announce that Rebecca Harsila has been named the new Director of Development for The King’s Academy, located in Bonton/South Dallas. Mrs. Harsila will be taking the primary leadership role in the creation, implementation and management of the annual giving strategy. This will include the development and execution of capital campaigns, events, community relations and donor cultivation with the goal of establishing a sustainable foundation to launch TKA into the future. Mrs. Harsila brings with her 16 years of experience in nonprofit development, which includes collaboration with individuals, corporations, government agencies and nonprofit partners. The Director of Development position is new to TKA and is essential to the future and function of the school as TKA aims to offer an exemplary Kingdom education by investing in the whole child: spiritually, academically, and emotionally.
Mrs. Harsila most recently served as Executive Director of Carry The Load, a fast growing, grassroots, movement aimed at creating awareness and a public recommitment to honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. She launched Carry The Load in 2011 alongside two local Navy SEALS. The charity thrives today and at this time has raised over $25 Million toward its mission and worthy nonprofits directly serving military, firefighters, police and first responders. Mrs. Harsila received recognition by Communities Foundation of Texas and Blackbaud company for the most organic growth by a nonprofit during her time leading Carry The Load.
A native Texan, she is a graduate of Texas Tech University and began her career shortly after at the Baylor Tom Landry Center and had an opportunity to hone her skills in event logistics during a stint living in Heidelberg, Germany. She worked for the USO/MWR Heidelberg Rod and Gun Club and Outdoor Recreation department on the Army installation in Heidelberg coordinating international trips for soldiers and their families and running gun club and outdoor recreation operations. Mrs. Harsila trained in nonprofit development working for the American Heart Association - Dallas Division raising critical funds and handling all aspects for one of the top two Heart Walks in the nation and later went out on her own to support several nonprofits. While freelancing, she spent several years developing the fundraising efforts and event production for the Dallas Global Proclamation Academy of Global Pastors for RREACH, located on the Campus of Dallas Theological Seminary.
The Director of Development is a strategic position responsible for leading and expanding TKA’s development efforts, finding beneficial ways to successfully promote TKA’s educational mission and shine a light on the need in Bonton/South Dallas. God has called Mrs. Harsila to support Christian visionaries with the skills He has so uniquely gifted her with. She will provide meaningful support in the areas of strategy, networking, sponsorship, and donor cultivation.
When asked about her passion for education, Mrs. Harsila stated, “All children deserve a quality education and a chance to achieve their dreams. The King’s Academy promotes academic excellence and 21st century learning skills. More important than this…the children of South Dallas will come to know the Most High One, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” Dr. Shailendra Thomas, Head of School, exclaimed, "I am elated that Rebecca is joining the TKA family! Her expertise is exactly what is needed to bring our goal of preparing learners to fulfill God's purpose in their lives to fruition."
Her passionate outside interests include serving as a volunteer for One for Israel, City of Plano and the Dallas Stars Foundation. She enjoys family time with her boys, Brooks and Bodee and husband Roy, travel overseas and teaching Sunday School at First Baptist Plano. Mrs. Harsila can be reached at rharsila@tkadallas.org or 972-930-4054.
The King’s Academy (TKA) is now in its second year of providing Kingdom education to children in the South Dallas area. TKA partners with families to provide children an exemplary Kingdom education by investing in the whole child: academically, spiritually, and emotionally and offers small class sizes with excellent teachers. TKA provides a biblically integrated curriculum that focuses on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Currently, TKA is accepting applications for the 2020-2021 school year for grades PK3 – 2nd grade. For more information visit www.tkadallas.org or call 469-372-2502.